NPR journalist Manoush Zomorodi explores the impact of digital habits on our health in her book “Body Electric: The Hidden Health Costs of the Digital Age and New Science to Reclaim Your Well-Being,” co-authored with Keith Diaz. The book examines how constant media multitasking, like using multiple devices simultaneously, can lead to mental fatigue and overwhelm. Zomorodi explains that each time we switch tasks, our brain uses glucose and oxygen, which can deplete our energy and focus. To combat this, she suggests single-tasking and taking breaks to move around, which helps refresh the brain by increasing blood flow and glucose levels. This approach can improve cognitive capacity and physical health, offering a practical solution to the challenges of the digital age.
QUESTION: How might reducing media multitasking improve your daily life and well-being?
Digital habits that rob attention and energy — and how to combat them
